So you’ve done it and you’re on your way to Disney World.
Disney World
You’ve driven or flown (or taken the train) to your Disney World hotel and you’re all checked in. Now, this is not technically your first day in Disney World, as it’s not a full day, so maybe you spend some time enjoying your resort, or you’ll be taking advantage of that free water park ticket perk on your check-in day. Now, your full first day is the NEXT day and it’s probably your first park day. You’ll probably be tempted to go to Magic Kingdom first, but we’ve got a BETTER plan.
Okay, so here’s what you want to do: go to Animal Kingdom on your first full park day. Now, hear us out. We KNOW you’re going to want to see Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom and get those magic feelings when you take that first step onto Main Street, U.S.A. BUT we think going to Animal Kingdom FIRST is way better.
Animal Kingdom
First, if you’re traveling with kids who’ve never been to Disney World before, starting in Magic Kingdom can be SUPER overwhelming — seriously, it is a LOT. There is SO much to see and do: tons of rides, loads of characters, and a lot of moments that can result in full-on sensory overload for kids and adults alike.
Magic Kingdom can be overwhelming
However, Animal Kingdom has a whole other vibe. This is the most CHILL park of all four of Disney World’s parks. Plus there are things to see and do that won’t overload your senses. There are rides, of course, but there are also walking trails to see animals that are downright peaceful and not full of lights, sounds, and smells just EVERYWHERE like in the other parks.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Sure, there aren’t a lot of rides in Animal Kingdom, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to do. In addition to the walking trails, there’s the underrated Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch where you can pet some of the animals that call Animal Kingdom home. There’s even a drawing class in this part of the park where you can learn to draw a Disney character. Like we said, CHILL. It’s a great way to ease you and your kids into the whole Disney World thing.
Affection Section
This easy pace is the perfect way to start your Disney World trip. Honestly, we prefer to save Magic Kingdom for our last day because by then, we’re ready to tackle Disney World’s most overwhelming park, plus it’s a great way to end the magic on a high note (especially if you stick around for the Happily Ever After fireworks).
Happily Ever After fireworks in Magic Kingdom
Are we biased when we tell you to start your Disney World vacation in Animal Kingdom? Probably. It IS AJ’s favorite park, and well, a lot of us on the DFB team are inclined to agree. So when you visit Disney World, consider making Animal Kingdom your first day — you can thank us later.
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See, I think the opposite. At the beginning of the trip, you’re all excited and full of energy. I’d save AK until the end, when you’re tired and need a break.
Animal Kingdom is a stop and smell the roses kinda place. If you don’t do that you really don’t experience the magic. And you’re right, it is the most peaceful of all the parks. We usually use it as our day three or four for a chill day. I wish it had a flashier(no fireworks or anything to disturb the animals) show at night. Because once you see the Tree of Life cone alive once it’s not a must do. For me the must do is the Friends in Flight when they do that in front of the tree. OMG, my family and I walked into that show one day and it stopped us in our tracks. Was a moment we will never forget. AND there are otters!
Oh, definitely. This is what we did. We spent our first day in Animal Kingdom, and we felt that it was a good ‘practice’ day that helped us understand various things about WDW generally, like queues, food outlets, shows and character meetings. We felt more prepared for all the other parks after starting off with Animal Kingdom. We have such chill, happy memories from that first day of our WDW holiday.
Our favorite park to start with on the day of arrival, weather permitting, is Typhoon Lagoon.
Thank you for adding taking the train to your comments. I feel so loved!